Animal lists

Ranked rundowns of the record-holders, the record-breakers, and the animals in the most trouble — each one linking straight to the full guides.

The Biggest Animals in the World The largest animals on Earth, ranked — from the blue whale (the biggest animal that has ever lived) down through the record-holders for land, sea, reptiles, birds, and more. 14 entries

The Most Dangerous Animals in the World The animals that kill the most people each year — ranked by deaths, not by fear. The real list is led by the mosquito, and sharks are near the bottom. 10 entries

The Most Endangered Animals Endangered and Critically Endangered animals featured on HideShark — how many are left, what is driving the decline, and which are recovering. 16 entries

The Fastest Animals in the World The fastest animals on Earth, in the air, on land, and in the sea — from the peregrine falcon at nearly 390 km/h down to the fastest snake at a mere 19 km/h. 10 entries

The Smartest Animals in the World The most intelligent animals on Earth, from great apes and dolphins to octopuses and crows — with the evidence for tool use, self-awareness, planning, and communication that puts each one on the list. 11 entries

The Longest-Living Animals The animals with the longest lifespans on Earth, from the Greenland shark at up to 500 years down through bowhead whales, giant tortoises, and the ocean giants — with the record for each. 13 entries